After throwing 34 pitches Tuesday, the Pirates did not have closer Jason Grilli available Wednesday against the Cubs. With a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth, they turned to a reliever who has been almost as dominant as Grilli this season, Mark Melancon.

Melancon, who entered the game with 16 holds, earned his first save despite allowing the winning run to reach base with one out. But two pop flies to second base to end the threat and the game.

Melancon allowed a hit and struck out one batter, who reached based on a wild pitch. He needed 22 pitches to finish the save.

Melancon has an 0.72 ERA in 25 appearances, with 26 strikeouts and a walk in 25 innings.